July 11, 2018
July 11, 2018
Dear Friends, L’Shalom-Steve
Continue readingBulletin Messages
June 1, 2018
The Thought behind Thanks and the Birth of Generosity
Sometimes the etymology of words can reveal tremendous depth and meaning. Such is the case when we examine the deeper meaning behind the commonly used expression, “Thanks for your generosity.”
Continue readingMay 1, 2018
A Tale of Two Mitzvahs
At the end of every Jewish worship service, our concluding prayers include the Adoration or Aleinu, which contains a powerful statement regarding the human partnership with God in the establishment
Continue readingApril 1, 2018
A Brief History of the Jews in Hungary
My family (on my mother’s side) came from Hungary. Some have attributed my love of food from this family lineage. Others have said it is the source of my short
Continue readingMarch 1, 2018
Purim & Passover: Two Models for Human Redemption
This year, Purim and Passover both fall in the month of March, which invites a rare opportunity to discuss these holidays together in the same bulletin article. It is interesting
Continue readingFebruary 1, 2018
HCRJ Annual Fundraiser
Over the years, HCRJ has had numerous congregational fundraisers. This year, our ONLY annual fundraiser will be a golf tournament. We know that not everyone golfs, and we know that
Continue readingDecember 1, 2017
Sandbox Play as a Model for a Moral Society
For young children, one of the favorite shared spaces to play has always been the sandbox. In the sandbox as boys and girls play together, all are equal in the
Continue readingNovember 1, 2017
Seeking the Wisdom of Our Faith from the Non-Jewish World
I recently had a conversation with a grandmother who was terrified that her ten-year old grandson was going to fall from Judaism and embrace Christianity. The boy’s parents were recently
Continue readingOctober 1, 2017
The Sacred Act of Listening
The art of listening is somewhat of a selfless endeavor. In order to conceptualize the broadest understanding of the narratives which unfold around us, we must begin with a mindset
Continue readingSeptember 1, 2017
The Rainbow After the Storm
Living through a tragedy can often force us to put things in perspective. It can help clarify what is most important to us, and yet, it is not easy to
Continue readingRather hear it in person?
Rabbi Gross writes most of what is on this page, and says the rest of it on a Friday night. Everyone is welcome at a service, and you do not need to tell anyone you are coming.